Munich shooting draws condemnation, empathy from around the world

Leaders from around the world react to Friday's shooting rampage in Munich which left 10 people dead, including the gunman, and more than two dozen injured.

People leave the Olympia mall in Munich on Friday. AP

GERMANY:

Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germans are mourning those who died in the Munich attack and "share the pain" of the victims' families and friends.

"These are very difficult hours," said Horst Seehofer, mayor of Bavaria, of which Munich is the state capital.

UNITED STATES:

"Our hearts go out to those who may have been injured," US President Barack Obama said. "Germany is one of our closest allies, so we are going to pledge all the support that they may need in dealing with these circumstances," he added.

FRANCE:

"The terrorist attack that has hit Munich, causing many casualties, is a new ignoble act that intends to seize Germany with terror after [having done so in] other European countries. [Germany] can count on the friendship and cooperation of France," French President Francois Hollande said in a statement.

BELGIUM:

"Profoundly shocked. I condemn in the strongest terms the cowardly and despicable attack in Munich," Belgian Prime Minister wrote on Twitter.

EUROPEAN UNION:

"Our thoughts are with the victims in Munich, their families and the police who risked their lives for defending a peaceful society," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker wrote on Twitter.

"All of Europe now with Munich," EU President Donald Tusk said in another tweet.

Flags outside EU buildings in Brussels were flying at half mast.

NATO:

"My thoughts tonight are w/all those affected by the senseless Munich shootings, and w/the people of Germany, in sorrow and solidarity," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wrote on Twitter.

"Today, [the] fight against terrorism in any form and anywhere should be regarded as a serious and prompt demand of the international community and human conscience and should be a pattern for all countries."

EGYPT:

In a statement, the foreign ministry in Cairo condemned the attack with the "strongest words" and reiterated Egypt's vehement rejection "of all forms of terrorising civilians."

SAUDI ARABIA:

Saudi Arabia "strongly condemns: the attack, Saudi-owned broadcaster al Arabiya reported, citing an unnamed official at the foreign ministry. "The kingdom stands in solidarity with friendly Germany," the official added.

INDIA:

"We are appalled by the horrific incident in Munich. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and those injured," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement.